GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota head volleyball coach Jesse Tupac announced on Thursday that two prospective student-athletes and one transfer have signed to join the volleyball program for the 2024-25 season.

The Fighting Hawks ventured out west for the three additions, bringing in Cala Cooper from Lehi, Utah, Alexandria Harper from Las Vegas, Nev. and Vanessa Imoh of Torrance, Calif. Harper spent the previous three seasons playing locally however, starring for UMary in Bismarck.

"We are thrilled to be able to add three more athletes to our 2024 fall roster," said Tupac. "Alexandria, Cala and Vanessa are incredible people, first and foremost, and will add experience and athleticism to an already talented roster.  This coming fall season just got even more exciting, and we can't wait to get started!"

Meet The Signees:
Signees are listed in alphabetical order 

Cala Cooper | Outside Hitter | Lehi, Utah | Skyridge High School
Played four seasons at Skyridge High School in Utah … Dominated from the right side as a hitter … Finished with 227 kills in her senior season and 72 rejections … Earned multiple all-state accolades from various publications … Became the first right side player to earn the region's MVP honors … Reached the 6A finals her senior year after a third-place finish as a junior.

Cooper on why she chose UND:
"I chose UND because of the supportive yet challenging environment that will inspire personal and athletic growth. Along with that I love how competitive all the girls are and how every one of them is bought into what changes the coaches are asking of them! UND also has top facilities and resources to help athletes succeed post college, setting us up for present and future success!"

Coach Tupac on Cooper:
"We knew the first time we spoke with Cala that she was meant to be a Fighting Hawk.  Her drive and hunger to be great are infectious.  Even more impressive is her compassion and the care she has for her teammates.  UND fans will soon see what we already know in the volleyball program, Cala is ready to make her mark here in Grand Forks!"

Alexandria Harper | Middle Hitter | Las Vegas, Nev. | UMary
Spent the previous three seasons at UMary in Bismarck … Started 27 matches last season to help the Marauders grab nine wins … Finished with a career-best 1.61 kills per set and 145 total kills during her junior campaign … Paced the team with 86.0 blocks and 0.96 rejections per set … Recorded a pair of double-digit matches with 10 kills, both coming in wins over Augustana and Minnesota Crookston.

Harper on why she chose UND:
"I chose UND because I feel at home here. The team and the coaching staff are great people and there is no doubt that everyone here cares about the success of this program. I know that I'll fit well into the team and I cannot wait to be a part of it!"

Coach Tupac on Harper:
"Alexandria joins us after a successful undergraduate career at U Mary in Bismarck.  During her time with the Marauders, she made a huge impact with their program, both on and off the court. Her experience competing over the last three seasons will be invaluable for our young team; and will be further complimented by her excellent leadership skills and her ability to connect and communicate at a high level."

Vanessa Imoh | Middle Blocker | Torrance, Calif. | Torrance High School
Was part of a standout program in California … Earned league title honors in each of her four seasons at Torrance … Won the CIF crown in 2021 and was a state finalist … Finished with 111 blocks during her senior campaign … Dished out 204 kills as well … Earned first team all-conference honors in both her junior and senior seasons … Also shined on the soccer field.

Imoh on why she chose UND:
"I knew UND was the school for me because of the staff, community, and team. I felt so welcome when I was starting to become a part of the team and I immediately knew this was the place for me. Meeting the team and learning more about the school made me feel like I was already a part of the community."

Coach Tupac on Imoh:
"We couldn't be more excited to welcome Vanessa to the Fighting Hawk Family. A member of the National Honor Society, the daughter of an Olympic Medalist, and a multi-sport athlete, Vanessa is the full package as a student-athlete. Most importantly, she is an excellent teammate and person, and our team and community will immediately feel the impact of her warmth and passion for others. We can't wait to have her here and competing in green and white!"

For more information on North Dakota volleyball, follow on social media @UNDvolleyball or visit FightingHawks.com.